Lutheranism FAQ

I stumbled across this Lutheranism FAQ put together by Steve Born, a convert to Lutheranism who bases it on the objections to Lutheranism and various  questions he received from his earlier Pentecostal co-religionists.  It includes topics often raised here, such as “how can Lutherans believe both in salvation by faith and in infant baptism?”  and the differences between Lutheranism and Calvinism.  My favorite objection:  “It’s a church 500 years out of date!”

After the jump are the Frequently Asked Questions.  At the site, you can click them and find some quite helpful answers.

From Steve’s Lutheran Pages:

1. The Lutheran church does not fully understand the Bible�it’s a church 500 years out of date. For instance, it’s completely at a loss as to what 1 Corinthians 12-14 means; so do you really think that what Luther taught in the 1500’s is the end all and be all of Biblical doctrine?
The Greek word used for “to baptize” (baptizo) in the scriptures means only “to immerse.” Why do Lutherans disobey Jesus’ command by instead using sprinkling or pouring to baptize?

How can Lutherans believe both in salvation by faith and in infant baptism? How can an infant have faith?

Isn’t Lutheran theology Calvinistic? I heard that they don’t believe in free will.

I grew up in a Lutheran church and never even knew a person could be born again and have a personal relationship with Jesus until I heard it at a revival another church was having in our town. Then I went forward in response to an altar call to accept Jesus, and my life has completely changed! Why don’t Lutheran churches teach people to be born again?

Good grief. With Lutheranism, one settles for a lifeless, dead “churchianity.” Can’t you see that Lutheran theology results in whole churches full of people who do nothing, but who think they’re saved anyway just because they were baptized as infants?

In Luther’s time, his followers persecuted and put to death Anabaptists. Blood was shed in the name of the doctrine you defend. How can you possibly justify that?

Go here for the answers.